The goal of this ministry is to make a foundational connection with the inmate during their incarceration and prior to their release. The primary purpose of the mentoring time is to build a "one-on-one" relationship with the inmate that begins the transition work as preparation for life on the outside. Participation in established pre-release programs is more motivational in nature and is typically in an overall group setting. In both cases the objective is to communicate those life traits and spiritual formations that will hopefully lead to a successful re-entry and life on the streets. Additional inmate interaction will take place in participation in inmate chapel services. These are at the invitation of the Prison Chaplain and are ministry in nature

Currently work is being done in conjunction with the Pre-Release and Chaplain programs at the California State Prison Substance Abuse and Treatment Facility (SATF) in Corcoran California.

Background

If there was ever an example of a “New Beginning” it was the Apostle Paul’s (Saul) conversion on the road to Damascus. Saul was one of the religious elite, Hebrew of Hebrews, from the tribe of Benjamin and a Pharisee (Phil 3:5). Following the crucifixion of Christ, Saul was aggressive in his desire to persecute (Acts 8:1-3) the early Christian church, as seen in his witness and approval of the stoning of Stephan (Acts 7:58).

In the midst of this persecution, Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus and said “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul’s name was changed to Paul and it was said to him” The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and hear an utterance from His mouth. For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22: 14-16).

The picture of a new beginning, the dramatic turning from a prior life, which demonstrates a life change, that can only result from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Like Paul our changed lives will be a witness for Him to all men. As is often the case in our own lives, even after Paul’s conversion, the other disciples were afraid of him, not believing in his conversion (Acts 9:26). But Barnabas, came along side of him and brought witness of him to the others and opened the door for his acceptance (Acts 9:27).

At JPW3 we (like Barnabas) desire to come along side those that have reached that life changing point in their lives and earnestly want a second chance. In providing a second chance it is equally our desire that all of our lives will be a witness to the Lord’s grace and mercy. As each of us seek a deeper relationship with Him we will live out His will by serving others.

In order to implement the JPW3 reentry program and expend the required resource’s to fully integrate an individual back in to society, it is critical that potential participants be firmly committed both spiritually and socially to changing their previous life habits that lead to their specific incarceration. It is our intent that a significant amount of time, energy and resources will be committed to each qualified participant in the JPW3 after care program. Therefore, it is our belief that a substantial effort is needed to qualify potential participants

We believe that participation in a mentoring program during an individuals incarceration plays a vital role in preparing them for an effective reentry into society and assist in identifying those individuals which have made an effective life change. It is our goal to maintain a close interaction with various mentoring programs to identify and assist those individuals, which represent the highest probability of a successful reentry into society. We sincerely desire to assist qualified individuals to achieve their God given potential, which they have recognized and are committed to secure.

Due to the complexity of today’s society, transition can prove to be of an extremely challenging venture. That being the case, being prepared and equipped with the required skills for success has never been more important. To be successful, each of us must posses these “life skills” and ‘tools’ that will allow us to fully engage and participate in the society in which we live.

It is vital that our “life skills” be well rounded and includes the specific tools needed for our spiritual, physical, professional, and personal lives. With this in mind, JPW3 has set forth to create a program that will allow the parolee to transition back into society as a fully responsible, productive and caring individuals.

JPW3 Youth Outreach Ministry will work in conjunction with FIFUL in the Fresno urban area to reach "at risk" youth and to train college age youth in the urban ministries. As an affiliated ministry of Invarsity Christian Fellowship the specific mission and vision of FIFUL is listed below. Additional Information can be obtained from their web site at (www.FIFUL.org).

It is a primary outreach goal of JPW3 to take the passions that is lived out here at home to the international communities around the world. The risk to children around the world due to poverty, crime, drugs, prostitution and enslavery are staggering in their open abuse to children. JPW3 will strive to work with established ministries to bring the needed resources to accomplish their specific mission to reach children in mortal danger.   Currently JPW3 maintain direct working relationship with the following international ministries.